FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Demke, Gordon pick up big wins

PHOENIX - In the final results from Firebird International Raceway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Chris Demke and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Doug Gordon took home the honors.

Demke of Sunland, Calif., took on number one qualifier Don Hudson in the final and raced to a 5.593 second, 256.21 mph pass for the win. The two were side by side at half track when Demke made his move and pulled away from Hudson who fell behind to a 5.662, 234.29.

Paso Robles, Calif., resident Gordon faced Dennis Taylor in Taylor's third consecutive final round appearance of the young season. Gordon, who won here last year, covered the quartermile in 5.829 seconds at 249.21 mph. Taylor had problems and shut his car off early crossing the finish line in 9.979 seconds.

Fred Gross of La Cresenta, Calif., picked up the win in Comp Eliminator while Kyle Seipel drove his '89 Camaro to a win in Super Stock over Jody Lang.

Curtis Coulter took the win in Stock; Dave Slatten beat Phoenix resident Kevin Kleinewber in Super Comp; Randy Balough won in Super Gas; and Alan Percival won in Super Street.

Ken Van Burren of New River, Ariz., won in the Kerker Motorcycle Series and the Korbel Super Eliminator class was won by Denny Hills of Gilbert, Ariz.

The Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop at Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson, Ariz., March 26-28.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Firebird International Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER

ROUND ONE
5) Mark Niver, Phoenix, Ariz., 5.639, 249.53 def. 
4) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 6.018, 180.94

6) Larry Miersch, Huntington Beach, Calif., 5.537, 240.81 def. 
3) David Wilson, Hampshire, Great Britain, 5.622, 249.86

1) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.543, 256.75 def. 
8) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., broke

2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.546, 258.57 def. 
9) Danny Valadez, San Rafael, Calif., 6.200, 202.58

SEMIFINALS
Hudson, 5.698, 237.34 def. Niver, 5.883, 240.94
Demke, 5.678, 215.00 def. Miersch, 5.818, 233.84

FINALS
Demke, 5.593, 256.21 def. Hudson, 5.662, 234.29

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE
5) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., Chevy Camaro, 5.905, 244.12 def. 
4) John Weaver, Orting, Calif., Pontiac Firebird, 7.865, 116.19

7) Dennis Taylor, Anahiem, Calif., Camaro, 5.812, 246.17 def. 
2) Ed Marx, Bakersfield, Calif., Dodge Avenger, 5.882, 250.46

1) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., Camaro, 5.801, 249.53 def. 
8) Bil Gallio, Anaheim, Calif., Camaro, 13.128, 59.20

6) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., Pontiac Trans Am, 5.935, 243.90 def. 
3) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., Camaro, 6.280, 168.28

SEMIFINALS
Taylor, 5.821, 244.12 def. Patton, 5.860, 246.84
Gordon, 5.785, 250.27 def. Lee, 5.897, 242.76

FINALS
Gordon, 5.829, 249.21 def. Taylor, 9.979, 81.09

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Fred Gross, La Crescenta, Calif., '04 Cavalier, G/A, 8.632, 157.12 def.
Scott McClay, Tehachapi, Calif., Dragster, C/ED, 7.678, 173.63.

SUPER STOCK
Kyle Seipel, San Lorenzo, Calif., '89 Camaro, SS/AM, 9.089, 145.16 def.
Jody Lang, Puyallup, Wash., '81 Malibu, GT/IA, 11.290, 117.59.
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Curtis Coulter, Las Vegas, '69 Mercury, D/S, 11.206, 120.78 def. 
Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, I/SA, foul.

SUPER COMP
Dave Slatten, Fort Collins, Colo., Dragster, 8.904, 172.94 def. 
Kevin Kleineweber, Phoenix, Dragster, 8.941, 158.67.

SUPER GAS
Randy Balough, Newberry Park, Calif., '63 Corvette, 9.936, 154.95  def. 
Jon Brazeau, St George, Utah, '63 Corvette, 9.967, 142.63.

SUPER STREET
Alan Percival, Littleton, Colo., '69 Dart, 10.904, 135.69 def. 
Keith Manogue, Phoenix, '63 Nova, 10.925, 131.96.

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Ken Van Buren, New River, Ariz., '84 Kawasaki, 8.734, 140.31 def. 
Aris Bornales, Santa Clara, Calif., '01 Kawasaki, 9.973, 137.62.

SUPER ELIMINATOR
Denny Hills, Gilbert, Ariz., Dragster, 8.034, 171.14 def. 
Andy Spiegel, Acton, Calif., Dragster, 7.941, 172.50.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hudson, Gordon on top at Firebird

PHOENIX - In the final rounds of qualifying at Firebird International Raceway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Don Hudson and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Doug Gordon took the top qualifier honors.

Hudson of Stockton, Calif., made the quarter-mile run in 5.446 seconds at 254.18 mph to put him on top of the field. Hudson is followed by Chris Demke of Sunland, Calif., with a run of 5.493 at 258.32 mph. Phoenix resident Mark Niver is qualified fifth covering the quarter-mile in 5.642 seconds at 245.76 mph.

Gordon, defending event champion and Pacific Division Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion, recorded a time of 5.709 seconds at 251.16 mph. Ed Marx is in the number two spot with a 5.731, 251.81 pass while John Patton of Peoria, Ariz., qualified his '03 Trans Am in the sixth position with a run of 5.867 at 247.52 mph.

Glendale resident and reigning National Champion Dean Carter leads the Comp field with a 7.082-second pass, 0.568 seconds under the index. Carter is coming off two final round appearances with a win at the season opening K&N Filters Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., and a runner-up finish here in Phoenix last week at the CSK Nationals.

Top qualifiers in others classes are Steve Wann of Modesto, Calif., in Super Stock; Harry Doolittle of Hillsdale, Mich., in Stock and Aris Bornales of Santa Clara, Calif., in the Kerker Motorcycle Series.

Newcomer Charlotte Lucas, in her first ever round of competition, took the win and will advance to round two in Super Comp scheduled for Sunday morning. Lucas and her husband, Forrest, own and run Lucas Oil Products out of Corona, Calif., which sponsors the 46 race $561,000 NHRA sportsman series.

The five low qualifiers will share the $2,500 Sealed Power Low Qualifier bonus.

Eliminations begin Sunday at 8 a.m. Gates open at Firebird International Raceway at 7:30 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars run at noon. For more information call the track, (602) 268-0200.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and Sunday's first-round pairings for Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Firebird International Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.466 seconds, 260.31 mph
2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.493, 258.32
3) David Wilson, Hampshire, Great Britain, 5.528, 256.21
4) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.536, 260.36
5) Mark Niver, Phoenix, Ariz., 5.642, 245.76
6) Larry Miersch, Huntington Beach, Calif., 5.651, 239.19
7) Kent Nuckols, Albuquerque, N.M., 5.777, 240.72
8) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 6.044, 233.52

Not Qualified
9) Danny Valadez, San Rafiel, Calif., 6.169, 230.65
10) Dennis Swearingen, Valencia, Calif., 6.742, 225.79
 
First round TAD pairings
1) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.466 seconds, 260.31 mph vs. 
8) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 6.044, 233.52

2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.493, 258.32 vs. 
7) Kent Nuckols, Albuquerque, N.M., 5.777, 240.72

3) David Wilson, Hampshire, Great Britain, 5.528, 256.21 vs. 
6) Larry Miersch, Huntington Beach, Calif., 5.651, 239.19

4) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.536, 260.36 vs. 
5) Mark Niver, Phoenix, Ariz., 5.642, 245.76
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '04 Camaro, 5.709 seconds, 251.16 mph
2) Ed Marx, Bakersfield, Calif., '95 Avenger, 5.731, 251.81
3) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.785, 248.93
4) John Weaver, Orting, Calif., '00 Firebird, 5.793, 244.25
5) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.858, 246.12
6) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '03 Trans Am, 5.867, 247.52
7) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.869, 245.05
8) Bil Gallio, Anaheim, Calif., '03 Camaro, 5.883, 246.62

Not Qualified
9) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '02 Trans Am, 5.887, 245.32
10) Jon Capps, Las Vegas, Nev., '01 Camaro, 5.903, 243.90
11) Mike Drake, Glendora, Calif., '01 Avenger, 6.104, 226.89
12) Bob Gallio, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.524, 160.42
13) Hannes Warnhart, Bakersfield, Calif., '02 Firebird, 8.803, 101.54
 
First round TAFC pairings
1) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '04 Camaro, 5.709 seconds, 251.16 mph vs. 
8) Bill Gallio, Anaheim, Calif., '03 Camaro, 5.883, 246.62

2) Ed Marx, Bakersfield, Calif., '95 Avenger, 5.731, 251.81 vs. 
7) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.869, 245.05

3) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.785, 248.93 vs. 
6) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '03 Trans Am, 5.867, 247.52

4) John Weaver, Orting, Calif., '00 Firebird, 5.793, 244.25 vs. 
5) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.858, 246.12
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Dragster, A/ND, 7.082 seconds, -0.568 (under index)
2) Doug Lambeck, North Ridge, Calif., '04 Sunfire, D/SMA, 8.652, -0.548
3) Mike DePalma Jr, Glendale, Ariz., '99 Neon, B/A, 7.233, -0.547
4) Tom Mettler, Bakersfield, Calif., '01 Dakota, PST, 7.569, -0.521
5) Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Chevrolet, C/SR, 8.753, -0.517
6) Vincent Deceglie, Alta Loma, Calif., '63 Corvette, A/A, 6.677, -0.513
7) Scott Hedlund, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '03 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.307, -0.513
8) Fred Gross, La Crescenta, Calif., '04 Cavalier, G/A, 8.653, -0.487
9) Maureen Jondahl, Battle Ground, Wash., '92 Firebird, G/AA, 8.672, -0.478
10) David Ebbert, Mission Viejo, Calif., Spitzer, A/D, 6.639, -0.471
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '97 Dakota, GT/TA, 9.811 seconds, -1.039 (under index)
2) Bob Mazzolini, Riverside, Calif., '00 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.488, -1.012
3) Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '04 Grand Am, GT/BA, 9.539, -1.011
4) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '04 Grand Am, SS/CM, 8.970, -0.980
5) Kip Martin, Phoenix, Ariz., '64 Mustang, SS/L, 10.620, -0.930
6) Wayne Taylor, Chino, Calif., '90 LaBaron, GT/HA, 10.445, -0.905
7) Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.451, -0.899
8) Don Bevers, Tucson, Ariz., '91 Probe, SS/BM, 8.817, -0.883
9) Rick Houser, Pasadena, Calif., '91 Calais, GT/AA, 9.519, -0.881
10) Gary McGlasson, Los Lunas, N.M., '69 Camaro, SS/HA, 10.020, -0.880
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Harry Doolittle, Hillsdale, Mich., '02 Firebird, H/FIA, 12.279 seconds, -1.171 (under index)
2) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, I/SA, 11.459, -1.141
3) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, B/SA, 10.418, -1.132
4) Jeff Lee, Anthem, Ariz., '70 AMX, D/S, 10.692, -1.108
5) Robert Pond, Riverside, Calif., '67 Fairlane, A/S, 10.168, -1.082
6) Bill Nelson, Tucson, Ariz., '02 Firebird, I/FIA, 12.701, -1.049
7) Bobby DeArmond, Gallup, N.M., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.259, -1.041
8) Wesley Libby, Spokane, Wash., '71 Challenger, B/SA, 10.511, -1.039
9) Duane Dickens, San Clemente, Calif., '98 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.700, -1.000
10) Lawrence Line, Wright, Minn., '85 Monte Carlo, L/SA, 12.039, -0.961
 
KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Aris Bornales, Santa Clara, Calif., '01 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, KMC, 0.003
3) Lonnie Woodruff, Bountiful, Utah, '83 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.003
4) Rick Newport, West Valley, Utah, '97 Suzuki, KMC, 0.005
5) Aris Widmann, Garberville, Calif., '97 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.005
6) Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, Nev., '87 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.010
7) Ken Van Buren, New River, Ariz., '84 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.010
8) Trace St. Germain, San Jose, Calif., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.014
9) Mitchel Lippen, Cave Creek, Ariz., '02 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.044
10) Ray Raines, Garden Grove, Calif., '82 Suzuki, KMC, 0.491

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sigmon unhurt after crash at Pacific Division opener

PHOENIX - NHRA Drag Racing returned to Firebird International Raceway this weekend for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series following last weekend's NHRA CSK Nationals. Opening day produced plenty of action when Ed Sigmon went for a wild ride as his Comp Eliminator roadster crossed the track hitting the concrete guardwall during qualifying.

Sigmon was unhurt and walked away from the crash that damaged the racetrack causing officials to postpone the remainder of Friday's activities.

Glendale, Ariz. resident and reigning Comp Eliminator national champion Dean Carter grabbed the number one spot earlier in the day with a run of 7.082 seconds in his front engine dragster. Carter looks to defend his title as he opened the season with a win at the K&N Filters Winternationals in Pomona and scored a runner-up finish last weekend here in Phoenix.

Kip Martin of Phoenix, Ariz. sits on top of the Super Stock field in his '64 Mustang with a run of 10.638 seconds while Steve Wann leads the Stock class with a run of 9.978. Wann also competes in Super Stock where he is currently qualified sixth.

Qualifying continues Saturday at 8 a.m. Gates at Firebird International Raceway open at 7:30 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car run at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information call the track, (602) 268-0200.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Firebird International Raceway:

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Dragster, A/ND, 7.082 seconds, -0.568  (under index)
2) Mike DePalma Jr, Glendale, Ariz., '99 Neon, B/A, 7.250, -0.530
3) Scott Hedlund, Anaheim, Calif., '03 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.313, -0.507
4) Tom Mettler, Bakersfield, Calif., '01 Dakota, PST, 7.589, -0.501
5) David Ebbert, Mission Viejo, Calif., Spitzer, A/D, 6.639, -0.471
6) Fred Gross, La Crescenta, Calif., '04 Cavalier, G/A, 8.681, -0.459
7) Bryan Morrison, Alta Loma, Calif., '92 Camaro, H/SMA, 9.409, -0.441
8) Tom Huggins, Santa Paula, Calif., '04 Grand Am, B/A, 7.347, -0.433
9) Doug Lambeck, North Ridge, Calif., '04 Sunfire, D/SMA, 8.768, -0.432
10) Maureen Jondahl, Battle Ground, Wash., '92 Firebird, G/AA, 8.718,  -0.432

SUPER STOCK
1) Kip Martin, Phoenix, Ariz., '64 Mustang, SS/L, 10.638 seconds,  -0.912 (under index)
2) Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '04 Grand Am, GT/BA, 9.644, -0.906
3) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '04 Grand Am, SS/CM, 9.056, -0.894
4) Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.475, -0.875
5) Rick Houser, Pasadena, Calif., '91 Calais, GT/AA, 9.529, -0.871
6) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '97 Dakota, GT/TA, 9.989, -0.861
7) Don Bevers, Tucson, Ariz., '91 Probe, SS/BM, 8.855, -0.845
8) Wayne Taylor, Chino, Calif., '90 LaBaron, GT/HA, 10.519, -0.831
9) Gary McGlasson, Los Lunas, N.M., '69 Camaro, SS/HA, 10.070, -0.830
10) Don Kennedy, Mesa, Ariz., '92 Trans Am, GT/DA, 9.978, -0.822

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, B/SA, 10.440 seconds, -1.110  (under index)
2) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, I/SA, 11.502, -1.098
3) Harry Doolittle, Hillsdale, Mich., '02 Firebird, H/FIA, 12.387,  -1.063
4) Jeff Lee, Anthem, Ariz., '70 AMX, D/S, 10.756, -1.044
5) Bobby DeArmond, Gallup, N.M., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.259, -1.041
6) Wesley Libby, Spokane, Wash., '71 Challenger, B/SA, 10.536, -1.014
7) Bill Nelson, Tucson, Ariz., '02 Firebird, I/FIA, 12.776, -0.974
8) Lawrence Line, Wright, Minn., '85 Monte Carlo, L/SA, 12.039, -0.961
9) Robert Pond, Riverside, Calif., '67 Fairlane, A/S, 10.299, -0.951
10) Scott Burton, Golden, Colo., '71 Firebird, D/SA, 10.916, -0.934

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, KMC, 0.003 seconds  reaction time
2) Aris Bornales, Santa Clara, Calif., '01 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.009
3) Aris Widmann, Garberville, Calif., '97 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.013
4) Trace St. Germain, San Jose, Calif., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.015
5) Mitchel Lippen, Cave Creek, Ariz., '02 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.044
6) Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, Nev., '87 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.061
7) Ken Van Buren, New River, Ariz., '84 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.251
8) Rick Newport, West Valley, Utah, '97 Suzuki, KMC, -0.006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIR to host NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season opener

PHOENIX - NHRA's Pacific Division will start off its 2004 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Firebird International Raceway March 12-14. Competitors in eight classes including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars will compete for a share of the $158,145 purse as well as points leading to divisional and national championships.

The division's Korbel Super E class and the Kerker Motorcycle class will run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Super E and motorcycle competitors will run qualifying and eliminations along with other classes throughout the weekend.

In Comp Eliminator, Glendale, Ariz., resident Dean Carter won the national crown in 2004. Although Carter had a sluggish start to last season, he made a strong move later in the year that was enough to net him both the national and divisional championships. He won at the national event in Las Vegas last October and a week later, at the divisional event there, he was in the winner's circle again. At the final event of the year, the national event at Pomona Raceway in California, he was runner-up.

Jack Beckman started 2004 with a win at the season-opening national event in Pomona. The North Hills, Calif., racer also scored wins at the divisional events in Sacramento, Calif., and in Las Vegas. Like Carter, Beckman earned divisional honors as well as the national crown.

Entering the new Lucas Oil season, it looks as though the Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) title is up for grabs. Rumor has it that defending champion Morgan Lucas will compete in a different division. That clears the way for Las Vegas' Duane Shields to reassert himself and try to regain the form that lead him to the division title in 2002. Shields may have his hands full, however. Last year, Mark Niver, a resident of Phoenix, made two trips to the winner's circle after a nearly 20-year absence. If Niver picks up where he left off in 2004, he could give Shields a run for his money.

In the Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) class, 2004 champion Doug Gordon could retain his title. Gordon, of Paso Robles, Calif., opened 2004 with a win at the national event in Pomona and then went on to win the first two divisional events, at the season opener here and then in Tucson, Ariz. He also scored runner-up points at two out-of-division races in Woodburn, Ore., and Noble, Okla.

Gordon could face challenges this year from Brett Williamson of Campbell, Calif., and Dennis Taylor of Anaheim Hills, Calif. Veteran TAFC pilot Mert Littlefield of Garden Grove, Calif., also poses a threat at any event.

Gates at Firebird International Raceway open at 7:30 a.m. every day. Qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Friday and continue Saturday at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars will have one qualifying pass Friday at 4 p.m. On Saturday, they will make two runs, at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Eliminations begin at 8 a.m. Sunday for all classes. Dragster and Funny Car will run first round at noon.

General admission, including pit pass, is $12 Friday and $24 each Saturday and Sunday. A Saturday/Sunday ticket is $42 and a three-day pass is $52. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Firebird International Raceway is located 15 miles south of Phoenix at 20000 Maricopa Road in Chandler, Ariz. Take I-10 to the Maricopa Road exit (#162). For more information, call the track, (602) 268-0200, or visit www.FirebirdRaceway.com.

Pacific division racers in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will head to Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson for the next event, March 28-30.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The event is the first of six in Pacific Division competition. The division's Korbel Super E class and the Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Firebird International Raceway, Chandler, Ariz. Track is located at 20000 S. Maricopa Rd. Take I-10 to Maricopa Rd. exit (#162).

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, March 12-14, 2004

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series:

FRIDAY, Mar. 12 -- Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, Mar. 13 -- Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, Mar. 14 -- Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Eliminations begin at 8 a.m. First round of eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $12 Friday, $24 Saturday, $24 Sunday. A Saturday/Sunday ticket is $42 and a three-day pass is $52. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Firebird International Raceway, (602) 268-0200 or visit www.FirebirdRaceway.com.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $147,560, part of the 46-race, $6.5 million series.

2004 EVENT WINNERS: Morgan Lucas, Top Alcohol Dragster; Doug Gordon, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Rick Braun, Comp Eliminator; Kyle Seipel, Super Stock; Jim Meador, Stock Eliminator; Tom Bayer, Super Comp; Kenny Yeoman, Super Gas; Gary Thompson, Super Street

BONUS PROGRAMS:
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND: a $561,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2004 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional champions and national champions. Divisional awards include $8,500 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions; $3,000 to the champions in both Competition and Super Stock; $2,000 each to the champions in Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The seven national champions will share a bonus of $135,000.

SEALED POWER LOW QUALIFIER BONUS: a $109,000 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul's Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at each of the 46 Lucas Oil events: $1,000 each in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car; $200 each in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock; and $100 in Stock. (TAD and TAFC compete at 43 of 46 divisional events.)

JEG'S ALLSTARS: The best of the best from each of NHRA's seven divisions will compete for a share of the $100,000 point fund from Jeg's High Performance. The 2004 Jeg's Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series' eight classes. The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2004 Jeg's Allstars. Points are based on in-division races only.

The winning division's team will share $20,000 and individual awards include $7,000 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions, $6,000 to champions in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock, and $4,500 to the Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street champions. Runners-up in all categories will earn $2,000 apiece. Each Allstars competitor will also receive a share of a $20,000 towing fund to get to the event.

This year, event sponsor, Jeg's High Performance, has offered a "double up" bonus to Allstars competitors. Winners in each individual class who go on to win the national event will have their Allstars prize money doubled.

NHRA KERKER MOTORCYCLE SERIES: Run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series is an opportunity for competitors in NHRA's Sportsman Motorcycle class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $8,800 champions' purse posted by Kerker will be paid to first, second and third place points finishers in NHRA divisions that host Sportsman Motorcycles.

The top four riders from each division in the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series will be invited to compete in the NHRA Kerker King of the Coast competition. In 2004, the All-Star invitational will be run in November during the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas. The rider who is crowned the Kerker King of the Coast will earn $2,000. The runner-up in the 16-bike field will receive $1000.

Currently, Sportsman Motorcycles are run in NHRA's South Central, West Central, Northwest and Pacific divisions.

FEATURES: More than 500 drivers in the eight racing categories. Eight-car fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, featuring five-second, 260 mph side-by-side racing.